Union Minister of State for Home and BJP leader Nityanand Rai on Thursday raised questions about the underrepresentation of Yadavs in government jobs, directing his query at former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and incumbent deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav. Rai, addressing a Govardhan Puja ceremony, questioned the responsibility of Lalu Prasad Yadav during his 15-year tenure in power, pointing out that only 1.4% of Yadavs are currently employed in government positions.
"I want to ask Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, why only 1.4 per cent Yadavs are in government jobs? You were in power for 15 years, was this your responsibility or not? Yadavs consist of the largest number of illiterates, why? Do you have the courage to answer this?" he asked, as per news agency PTI.
Furthermore, Rai accused Lalu Yadav of focusing solely on his family during his time in power and contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inclusive policies.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Rai asserted that PM Modi's development initiatives have reached every segment of society, affecting both rural and urban areas. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to working with all sections of society, emphasising the party's policy of inclusivity.
"The 'Vikas ki Ganga' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached every society, every category, every house, every village and every city. It has had an effect on every society. BJP works together with every society, with a policy that touches everyone," he said.
He further highlighted that "On Govardhan Puja today, 21000 Yaduvanshis joined BJP. People came to this ceremony... Our rivals, rivals of the BJP abuse Hindu deities. This has pained people. For 15 years, Lalu Yadav neither worked for the development nor education of the Yadav community."
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If We Field Tej Pratap Against Nityanand Rai, He Will Lose His Election Deposit: Lalu Prasad Yadav
In the Govardhan Puja event held at the ISKCON temple on Tuesday, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav did not hold back in his criticism in response to Nityanand Rai.
"You slaughter our mother, the cow. What is your stature? If we field Tej Pratap against you, you will lose your (election) deposit." He sarcastically mentioned PM Narendra Modi, questioning, "You organise a conference on Lord Krishna, but chant Narendra Modi's name, who is Narendra Modi?"
Lalu Prasad Yadav accused the BJP of undermining the strength of Yadavs and questioned Rai's previous efforts to become the Chief Minister. He also mentioned the appointment of his wife Rabri Devi as Chief Minister, suggesting that if not for her, there might not have been an RJD today.
"The Union Minister of State in Hajipur used to approach us to join our party. BJP had talked about making him the Chief Minister of Yadavs....He says that Lalu Yadav made Rabri Devi the Chief Minister. If Rabri Devi had not been made the Chief Minister, would I have made your wife the CM? (Agar Rabri Devi ko CM nahi banate to kya tumhari bibi ko banate). If Rabri Devi had not been there, RJD and our government would not have existed today. Nitish-Tejashwi government would not have been formed in Bihar if she had not held the CM position," Lalu Yadav said, as quoted by ANI.
Earlier in the day, the former Bihar chief minister defended his party's governance, highlighting that people from weaker sections were not allowed to vote.
"Wherever there is a BJP Government, Yaduvanshis are being broken. We will not let this happen. Like Lord Krishna protected the weak, our Government, our organisation provided 75% reservation - this was never thought of earlier. Besides reservation, lakhs of people were made teachers. Lakhs of more of such recruitments are going to take place, advertisements have been placed...People have been empowered," he said, as per ANI.
"Before our government, were you allowed to cast a vote? People from weaker sections were not allowed to vote, forceful booth capturing used to take place," he added.